The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi produced the usual stories of triumph and heartbreak associated with the quadrennial games. Here are some of the most interesting people to emerge from the event.



Bob Costas

publication date: Friday, March 7, 2014

category: Television

clue: When Olympic promoters wished for the games to go viral, they didn't mean this sportscaster's eyes.

explanation: Costas had to give up hosting NBC's Olympics coverage due to a bad case of pinkeye. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Matthew Preston, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Amy Austin

player landmarks: This was the last goo solved by Amy Austin.


Iouri Podladtchikov

publication date: Thursday, March 6, 2014

category: Sports

clue: Ever seen an iPod do a flip? YOLO, dude.

explanation: Snowboarder Podladtchikov (nicknamed "iPod" as a shortening of his name) won a gold medal by performing a "Yolo Flip" manueuver. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Matthew Preston, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Amy Austin


Ole Einar Bjørndalen

publication date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014

category: Sports

clue: This record-smashing Norwegian just retired after acquiring more gold to wear around his neck than Mr. T.

explanation: Bjørndalen retired in 2014 after winning more medals than any other athlete in Winter Olympics history. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Matthew Preston, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Amy Austin


Alex Bilodeau

publication date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014

category: Sports

clue: This skier from Montreal won a gold medal, but he's still not the most inspirational member of his family.

explanation: Bilodeau's dedication of his victory to his brother with cerebral palsy became a popular story of the 2014 Olympics. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Matthew Preston, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Amy Austin


Gracie Gold

publication date: Monday, March 3, 2014

category: Sports

clue: This figure skater from Boston won a lot of hearts, but didn't win a medal made of her last name.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Denise Sawicki, Matthew Preston, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Amy Austin


Other Themes in Spring 2014

Video Game Heroes

Video games have become a billion-dollar industry, with annual revenues that outgross Hollywood. These five characters are some of the most popular stars in the business. Fictional characters are normally excluded from the game, but this week makes a special exception. This theme was created by Matthew Preston. Go »

Days of Our Lives

Each weekday brings a new celebrity goo, and that's extra true for these five goos, each of which was inspired by a different day of the week (not the day of publication). This theme was created by Chris Lemler. Go »

Angel on My Shoulders

Whatever your personal beliefs about angels, there's little doubt that their influence in culture has been enormous. These five celebrities from different fields all have some connection to angels. This theme was created by Steve West. Go »

Presidential Prenomens

These ten goos, major achievers in their own right, have first names linking them to former Presidents of the United States. If you can't identify the celebrity, perhaps figuring out their presidential namesake will help? Go »

Life is a Fairy Tale

Classic fairy tales teach universal lessons about wisdom, patience, and other virtues, remaining relevant even in our modern world. Each of these five celebrities has something in common with a classic fairy-tale hero or villain. Go »

I Want to Believe

Nearly 75% of Americans believe in some form of paranormal phenomena, so it's no wonder that celebrities do too. These five people, each famous in their own right, are also known for their beliefs about specific supernatural activity. Go »

The Game Masters

These ten celebrities would be instant masters at certain games if they ever got to play, judging from their previous life experience. The first week of this theme features celebrities who would dominate at modern board and card games, and the second week switches to modern video games. Go »

Spring 2014 Tournament

Justin Woods. Matthew Preston. Russ Wilhelm. Steve West. The list of winners includes some very talented players. Are you prepared to do what it takes to feel the thrill of victory? This tournament will produce the game's 60th champion. Go »

Spring 2014 Bonus Goos

Relax! You've earned it. After a challenging tournament, it's time to take a break with seven easy goos that won't tax your brain cells too much. The competition is over, so just enjoy these and have fun. Go »